"This can be really dangerous. You don't know who you're dealing with," he said.

"We would obviously suggest if you see your stolen property or something you believe to be your stolen property for sale online, we can arrange with the victim to set up a meeting to purchase this, just like the victim did in this case."

Smith did file a report with Vancouver police when the bike was stolen, but Montague says police are now unable to catch the person responsible for stealing the bike.